A Month Ago Today ...

One month ago today, we boarded a plane in Charleston at 6am - not knowing what to expect or what the following 8 weeks would bring.  The person that I was boarding that plane a month ago - is no longer who I am.  I have learned so much over the past 30 days ... more than I ever imagined possible.  My heart has changed in ways that I could never explain with words - and our future and lives are going to impacted forever by this journey in faith.

I am so amazed at what the Lord has done in our hearts over the past 30 days ... we have grown closer to Him and closer to each other!  It's been amazing trip - and we're half way done.  We can not even talk about leaving because we know that we are leaving our hearts here.  So much has drawn us to fall in love with Honduras - and we know that we are forever changed. 

The Lord has really been speaking to me about what is important here in this life and what I need to learn to let go of and change in my heart and life.

For so long now, I thought that what I was doing was enough.  Going to church each week, teaching the 4 year old Sunday School class, hosting my small group, and being bold for Him - sharing my faith, beliefs, and love for my Savior any chance that I was given.

In my mind, that was what it was about - focused on living out loud for Him.  Not saying that isn't enough -  but the Lord has revealed to me that I really don't get it at all. 

Before coming to Honduras, I was going through each day doing the things that I thought were pleasing to Him - and in ways I know that they were because I tried my best to glorify Him in all things.  But it grieves my heart to imagine the hurt that the Lord has felt in His frustration with my simple minded way of doing things. 

There is more to this life than that - more than just existing and making it through day by day.  There is more than having my relationship with Him and telling people about Him when He opens a door. 

I want to be His hands and feet.  I want to share the love of Christ - not just His story - with people for the rest of my life.  I want to wrap my arms around the hurting, lost, dying, and sick - I want them to see Jesus in me and desire to know Him because they see what He has done in my heart.  I want to lay down my life to make an eternal difference - even if that is just for one person!

Coming to Honduras has taught me that I can not go back and continue my life at home - I can not just survive.  I want my life to be surrendered completely - 100% without holding back.  I want to be without - I want to have less so that I can give more to others.  There is nothing that this life can offer me that will satisfy my soul like what the Lord has done in Honduras in these past 4 weeks.

I don't know what this means for me - for us.  I am not sure what the Lord has in store for our future in regards to our new love.  What I do know is that the Lord handpicked us for this journey ... He chose to reveal Himself to us in ways like never before through this trip. 

Why?  We may never fully understand - but what we do know is that He is doing mighty works in our hearts that we are not worthy to experience.  Things that leave us speechless at His feet.

Thank you Jesus for walking us through these last 4 weeks.  Thank you for keeping your promise that you will never leave nor forsake us - and that you are faithful, so faithful!  We surrender to your will for our lives - whatever the cost.  Empty us and make us clean vessels for you ... so that we can heal the broken with your love and grace.

Wonderful Wednesday

Today started off like every other day we have had at La Roca - Aben walks up to each door to greet the kids.  He says "Buenos Dias" and they all say, "Buenos Dias Aben!" He asks them, "Como Estan?" (How are you?) and they all say, "Bien, bendecidos, prosperados, en victoria y guapos!" (Well, blessed, prosperous, in victory, and handsome!)  It is the cutest thing that you have ever heard - it melts my heart each morning :)

I started right away with my Kindergarteners - we ended up having a teacher there that could help with the other class ... so it worked out great.  We had a great time reviewing our numbers, singing, dancing, and learning new numbers today!

Singing our Number Song :)

Counting 1-10 in English

When it was time for snack, they blessed their food and ate so quietly ... this is one of my favorite times of the morning.  I love to see them bless their food - it is so sincere and genuine - they truly are SO thankful.  Another student came without food today, and by the time they all shared some of their food with her, she had the most food out of all of the kids!

Praying for his snack :)

They went out for recess and we joined in on the fun.  They play a game where two students hold their hands together above their heads to make a "gate" for the other kids to pass under.  They sing a song while the other kids are running under them - and they trap a student with their arms.  The two children each represent a fruit - and the child that is "trapped" has to choose which fruit to stand behind ... when all of the kids have made it through and chosen a fruit - they play a tug of war match to try to pull the two original kids apart ... I know this probably doesn't make much sense in writing - but it is so fun!  Daniel and I joined in on the game today - and the kids were cracking up at us as we tried to squeeze under their arms.  It was so fun - we loved it :)

Girls playing :)

Boys playing :)

These boys can't get enough of Daniel :)

Me squeezing under the girls!

Cracking up with them :)

Daniel stuck in the middle :)

Final round - we were pulling against each other :)

After recess, I went on to the PreK kids - and Daniel started back with painting.  They ended up getting the first coat completely done today!   In the middle of my time with the PreK kiddos, Aben came into the room and said, "You've got to come see this!"  We walked over to the next classroom to find the kids teaching Daniel his numbers in Spanish!

Teaching Daniel his numbers through 30

My time went by so quickly with the kiddos today ... After class is over, the kids are in the habit of stacking their chairs, pushing the tables to the side, and cleaning the classroom.  I could look at this picture over and over again every day  - this is sweet Gabriella, 4 years old, sweeping up the classroom today.  Daniel came in to check on me - and saw her sweeping ... he was in awe.  He said, "Laura - can you imagine a 4 year old at home sweeping?"  Words can not express what we are experiencing here  ... these kids have hearts unlike anything we have ever seen in our lives.  She swept under everything - and when she was done ... she swept it out the door and put her broom away ... and she was on her way home :)

The most precious sight

One of the teacher's 18 month old son - cleaning up and stacking chairs!

Here are some pictures of the kids heading home today - this is such a sad part of our day ... we hate to say goodbye - and the kids get so sad, too!

The Kindergarten boys ready to go!

Sweet kindergarten girls lined up and ready

One of my favorites - these three kids are super special to us!
Amy, Saray, and Arturo - he is so protective of his little sisters ... it is precious!

For lunch, Roberta went to get some fried chicken and tortillas from a local vendor near the school.  It was delicious :)  We enjoyed lunch with some of the kids that stayed at the school ... there are kids that don't want to go home after classes so they stay at the school until we leave.  They love being around us - often hanging off of us and constantly telling us that they love us!  It's the best way to spend a day :)  The kids loved the lunch - here's a picture of Daniel and Joel enjoying the skin from the chicken together!

After we ate - I busted out the face paint :)  The kids here love to have their faces painted ... so I spent time with them doing face painting. 

So happy :)

Sweet  Clarinda - please pray for her ... her life at home is torturous -
she needs as many prayers as possible!
Please lift her up - that the Lord will provide a safe environment for this sweet girl!

Daniel took on the kids in a soccer match - and managed to kick the soccer ball over the school building and down into the village below the school!  The kids were so sad - Daniel and Dennis climbed up on the roof to see over the building - checking for a chance to find the ball ... but no luck!

Climbing up to find the ball

One of my favorites - Daniel and his buddy, Dennis, overlooking the city together :)

Precious sight - the teacher bathing her 18 month old son - and the kids from the school helping!

One of the kids found a deflated ball in one of the rooms - so Daniel walked the neighborhood with 4 of the kids to ask for an air pump.  They came back and started their games again :)  Right before we left - Daniel was kicking the ball near the fence - and knocked it over into a yard with a big dog ... so the ball was deflated again!  So - somehow he managed to lose 2 of their soccer balls today! Something tells me that we will be buying some soccer balls tomorrow for these kiddos!

Picture of us driving out of the neighborhood as we were leaving today-
two of the boys jumped on for a ride to the paths to their houses!

We had another day full of hugs, love, and laughter.  We can not get enough of this place!

First Day of Work at La Roca

Today was amazing.  We feel so at home at La Roca - we have already invested our hearts so deeply in this ministry!  We left early this morning to head to the school for the day.  When we got there, the kids were so excited to see us.  One of the classroom doors would not open - so they sent one of the oldest students up on the roof to open it up and climb down into the classroom.  It was so funny - Aben looked at me and said, "Part of what we teach them is how to break in somewhere" ... we were cracking up!

Josue on the roof - trying to get in!

View from room - putting roof back together

We started our day after getting the door open.  This week, the PreK teacher is out sick so I will spending the week going between the PreK class and the Kindergarten class. I started this morning with the Kindergarten class.  The other teacher was with the PreK students during this time ... I started off by introducing myself and telling them a little about me.

Showing them pictures of our doggies :)

After introducing myself, I taught them how to say, "My name is __" and tell me their names.  They were so excited to tell me their names, that they were saying all FOUR of their names!  I finally, with Roberta's help, got them to understand that I just wanted to know their first name.  It was too cute!

Teaching them to introduce themselves

I had planned to share with them the ABC song and start off with the alphabet.  Once I started with them, I realized that they really do not have their Spanish ABCs down yet - and I didn't want to confuse them.  So I started off today with numbers!  They were so excited to learn their numbers - it was so fun! 

We spent about an hour learning the numbers 1-5 and then it was time for snack.  They all bring a little drink and small snack with them to eat around 9am each morning.  They got into their backpacks - and got their snacks out.  One by one, they all started handing me parts of their food - a chip, a cookie, half of their sandwich, their juices, etc.  It was the most heartfelt moment that I have had on this trip.  These kids come from nothing - and yet they wanted to share their best with me!

Giving me their food - I was on the verge of bawling!

The kids started to eat - and Roberta and I realized that one of the little guys did not have a snack - only a drink.  The kids heard Roberta ask him about his food - and they all started sharing their food with him!  I can not beleive the hearts of these children - they have nothing ... and they are willing - at any moment for any person - to give up what little that they have!

Sharing their food with their friend

He was a happy boy :)

After snack, it was time for recess.  While I taught, shared snack, and played with my kids ... Daniel worked hard on sanding down the kitchen building.  It started off just being him and another guy that came to help today (for a wage of around $5/day). 

Kitchen/Bathroom building

We finished up recess and I switched to the PreK room.  There were fewer students in this room - from ages 3-5.  Once I introduced myself in the PreK room, I started to teach them how to introduce themselves ... I looked out the window and saw the most amazing thing. 

My view from the window

Since the PreK/Kindergarteners had finished with recess, it was time for the leveled classes (grades 1-6) to have their recess.  ** Remember - that even though I am saying grades 1-6, most of these kids range from 9-12 years old. 

Daniel came over to the window and said, "Do you see this?  They wanted to help me during their recess to finish the kitchen!"  These kids were SO happy and excited to be able to help Daniel - it was amazing.  They wanted to spend their free time helping - these kids are truly unbelievable. 

Kids were so excited to help!

finishing up the bathroom

She covered her face - it was too cute :)

I spent about 1 1/2 hours with the PreK kids - and it was so fun!  They were so excited to learn their numbers ... and we had a great time!  I even taught them to "kiss their brain" ... something that my first graders do all of the time when they get something right!  They were saying, "Yo soy muy inteligente" (I am very smart) and kissing their brains!  It was the cutest thing EVER!

Teaching them numbers in English

Gabriella, Amy & Ana

Singing and Clapping

This is a video of sweet Amy - she is quickly becoming my favorite - SHHH :)  The video got cut off some in the beginning - but this is her kissing her brain :)

After our lesson, it was time for them to head home for the day.  They all grab their things (if they brought anything with them) and line up together to head to the gate.  They look like little ducklings in a row - it's precious!  While the kids were lining up and leaving, the guy that was helping Daniel today was heading out on his bike.  Of course, Daniel asked to ride it - and he hopped right off for him to ride.  When the kids saw Daniel on the bike, they went crazy and chased him down to the gate!  It was so cute to see them get so excited!

lined up to go home

He hopped right on!

Chasing Daniel down the path :)

We had a great first day of work - and we can't wait to get a full day of work in tomorrow!

Pray that the weather allows us to complete the first coat of paint on the kitchen building tomorrow.

Pray for me - I will have all of the PreK and Kindergarten students together tomorrow.  (The other teacher will not be their to switch with me... so it should be very interesting :) 

Pray that we will continue to be a light in the lives of these children and others that we encounter at La Roca.  We are excited - tomorrow is our first Wednesday night service at La Roca! :)

La Roca

We woke up bright and early this morning and headed to La Roca (The Rock)!  I was so excited to get back there to see the kids - they were all so excited to see us pulling in.  We spent the morning interacting with them in their classrooms, during recess, and planning our week.  Here are some pictures from our time with the kids today!

The kids ran out for a picture :)

One of the little guys ran over to me and asked me, "Teacher, teacher!  Are we having English classes today?" in his very best Spanish :)  It just about broke my heart to have to tell him that we were not starting today.  His little face was so sad!  I can not believe the passion and excitement that these kids have about learning.  I can not wait to start teaching tomorrow.

This was precious - two of the little ones were sweeping their classroom!

Games at recess - they play on a path between a house and the school property!

Playing games down the path to the gate  - and then back again!
The gate is locked all day so that the kids/teachers are safe at the school.

After spending time with the kids, we made lists for things that we would need this week for classes and for projects that Daniel is going to be responsible for.  He is going to sand, paint, and finish up the kitchen this week so that the school can start feeding the children.  Aben told us that these kids do not eat breakfast before school - so he wants to start providing breakfast for them at school!  We are so excited and blessed to be a part of finishing up the kitchen for them.  We are going to have the opening ceremony and first breakfast at the school next week.  I can not wait!

PreK/Kindergarten class - SUPER cute!

Precious little fella :)

Brushing her teeth - part of what they provide for the kids at school each day

Beginning of our teacher meeting

We sat down with the teachers to plan out my time with each group of kids.  The teachers gave Aben a list of supplies that they needed - and we hit the road!  We spent the rest of the afternoon gathering materials for the projects and school.  It was so much fun to get things for the kids - here's a picture of Aben with the receipt after our shopping trip!

Aben with receipt - we got a ton for the kids!

After our afternoon of errands, we came back to our place and spent time planning.  Aben was working on his computer, I was planning English lessons for this week, and Roberta was helping Daniel with his Spanish.  They have been having a great time doing his tutoring - he is calling her "Rosetta Stone"  ... it's TOO funny!

Daniel learning Spanish with "Rosetta" :)

Tomorrow is our first day of work at The Rock - and we are ready to hit the ground running.  Please pray that Daniel will be able to finish up the kitchen this week so that everything will be ready for the opening meal on Monday.  Pray that I am able to clearly speak and communicate to the children - this week I will be spending my time teaching the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes - they are PRECIOUS!

More photos from La Roca coming soon - we are so in love with this place!